2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 516 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 23 C-Class model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 15 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2026
Strong fu Smell after filling tank recently. Checked under the passenger side rear seat and there is some fuel on the top of tank. Local mechanic confirmed and mentioned not to fill tank more than half. Requires replacement of fuel tank to fix it
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2025
The electronic steering wheel lock went out causing the car to not start. Upon checking the Internet to see if anyone else was having this problem I found that it was a problem many Mercedes Benz owners have had and it's an expensive one. It's not just with my particular model and it's not limited to older models of the brand either.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2024
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel system failure is a highly critical safety concern, and my life is at risk. It causes malfunctions with the vehicle, for example, the OBD-based emissions test has flagged a lot of (codes P219A, P0300, P0304, P0410, P0305, P0303, P0171, P0301) 5 of the cylinder misfire codes with the check engine light on, as well affecting other parts in the vehicle function properly, acceleration issues, car stalling as though it’s going to shut off. This is a serious matter and Mercedes-Benz is failing to prioritize customer safety, over cost especially when known faults in the vehicle can lead to potentially life-threatening incidents such as fuel leaks and fire hazards. Yes, the vehicle is available for further inspection upon request immediately each day my life is at risk. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and other's safety are put at risk every time I get out on the road to drive my car it's putting me and other' live in serious danger (especially with the extreme increase in car accidents in the local Nashville, TN area). Despite the vehicle now being 3,000 miles over the 150,000-mile extended warranty threshold. I recently purchased the car on [XXX] and was not made aware of Mercedes Benz having any extended warranty coverage for the faulty fuel system that Mercedes-Benz had placed on this model. I can only assume the previous owner the car was reposed from was also unaware of this as well. I believe Mercedes-Benz should still cover the cost of this repair. The fuel system failure is a critical safety concern, and Mercedes-Benz should prioritize customer safety, especially knowing there were faults of poor quality that they discovered with their vehicles and can lead to potentially life-threatening incidents such as fuel leaks and fire hazards. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2023
On 8/3/2023 we could smell a strong gasoline smell inside and outside our 2011 Mercedes C300. We towed the car to a Mercedes specialty repair shop for inspection. The found that the passenger side fuel pump cover (which is a large cylinder assembly actually) was leaking due to cracked plastic. Gas vapors could be detected outside the car, in the trunk, and in the car as the gas tank is right under the back seat. Our mechanic said he had just fixed another Mercedes with the exact same problem. Apparently this is a well known defect and I understand that Mercedes has an extended warranty for later models. We believe the extended warranty should be extended to our 2011 C300 which has only 55,000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2023
There is a crack in the flange causing a fuel leak in my C300 2011 Mercedes-Benz built March 2011. A strong gas smell fills the car. This situation is extremely dangerous and should be included in the recall that was approved for vehicles C300 manufactured from April 2011-July 2011. Please include my vehicle in this recall. There is only a one month difference.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2023
I suspect a failure in the fuel tank / system seal, which is allowing gas fumes into the cabin. There is a strong smell of gasoline inside the cabin especially after a full tank refill. This issue was also a problem for my 2008 Mercedes Benz E350. It has not been inspected but since my E350 had a similar extended warranty repair, I assume this would be similar. The strong fumes and odor in the cabin is a health risk of breathing the fumes or explosion. There are no warning lamp to indicate this failure. No recalls or extended warranty currently to fix this problem.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2023
Each time I filled my gas tank, there was an overpowering odor of gasoline inside the car and outside on the passenger side. Once the tank would get down below 3/4 of a tank, the odor would dissipate until down to a 1/4 of a tank it would go away completely.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2023
My check engine light came on approximately one month ago. Once tested it indicated a fuel vapor leak. I pulled out of a driveway and a large stream of fuel spilled all over the roadway. Approximately 7 feet in length about 5 inches in width was on the road. I took it to a Mercedes repair shop and they informed me I had a fuel leak and that it was not safe to drive. There was corrosion and rust forming on the tank which seems very odd since the car is garage kept and we don't get much snow in Kentucky. My daughter rides in this car with me and they told me it is very dangerous and needs repaired. If I was to drive over a cigarette we could essentially blow up. I had a second shop look at it and they also informed me I had a fuel leak and would need to replace the fuel tank. I was told there was a recall on some models of Mercedes for this issue but can't seem to find one on my year make and model. Please help with this matter so my daughter and I can remain safe as well as others around us. Seems like we are in a ticking time bomb.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2022
When fuel tank is greater than approximately 3/4 full there is a strong fuel odor that seems to emanate from the rear passenger side of the vehicle; at lesser fuel quantities the odor is not noticeable. On one occasion I detected what appeared to be fuel dripping from underneath the vehicle. Took vehicle to dealership for troubleshooting and was informed "fuel leaks at the fuel pump" and it was recommended that the fuel pump and fuel sender be replaced. Additionally, the leak apparently damaged the electrical wiring harness to the fuel pump and that also needs to be repaired. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed that alerted me to this problem. Obviously, this is a hazard to safety.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2022
I started to smell gas after filling my tank. Once the gas level went down, the odor disappeared. I took car to dealer who said car needs new gas tank (issue on top of tank) and cost is approx $5K for parts and labor. I started reading about same exact issue on same C300 model and year 2011. I was advised that car with high mileage of 114,000 was not worth repairing even though there are no dents, cosmetically very nice, new tires, always dealer maintained. I have the dealer inspection paperwork
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 2, 2021
Every time I fill up the gas tank, I smell gas in the passenger side back seat close to where you pump the gas?
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2021
Gas is leaking under the car. Gas dripping location is by the rear passenger tire.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 19, 2021
When the fuel tank is full, there is a strong smell of gasoline at the rear of the car. The gasoline odor is extremely strong on the outside, and very strong on the inside. (This is NOT due to overfill or spillage). I searched some Mercedes-Benz blog sites, and discovered others are experiencing similar problems since 2019 to now. The strong gasoline odor can likely pose a health risk. There is also real concern about potential fire or explosion risks.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 23, 2021
07/31/2021 Fuel smell in the cabin, and in the garage, and a small paddle of gas formed under the car, but at that time I wasn't sure if it was the A/C condense, or gas. Took car out of the garage and left it there overnight. Drove the car next day and the smell was less noticeable, and it disappeared in about two days. Next two weeks did not ill up the tank completely, and there was no smell or leak. Yesterday, Sunday, Aug 22nd, I filled the car with gas again until the pump stopped, and the smell came back instantly, as I was driving home. Parked the car in the driveway and immediately noticed a large paddle of gas forming under the left rear wheel. Removed back seat and both fuel tank pump metal covers, and both plastic fittings/covers were leaking gas, more so on the driver's side. There are hairline fractures in both covers, and both are leaking gas. Removed both covers and siphoned gas out of the car until the leak stopped. I went to Hendrick's MB of Durham and asked about the recall, they denied that my car qualifies. The parts alone were quoted at $1229.12, without labor, and I was told fuel tank worth about $1,000.00 (without labor) may need to be changed as well. NHTSA recall campaign 2013020002 mentions my car. My defect is worse than most because both sides leak gas, not just the pump, and both have visible with naked eye fractures that leak gas. I cannot understand how is my risk of fire and death while driving less than that of other MB's with exactly the same failure, in the same class, and the same C300, for the same year. I expect the cost of repair with labor to be more than $3,500 .
Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2021
A STRONG SMELL OF GAS IS COMING FROM BACK SEAT (PASSENGER SIDE)
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2020
CAR INTERIOR SMELLS OF FUEL AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. THE SMELL IS ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MY MERCEDES E350 ALSO HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL CELL SENDING UNIT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2020
CAR WILL SMELL LIKE FUEL AFTER FILLING UP ON FULL TANK. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MERCEDES OF GREENWAY IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON. THEY DISCOVERED A LEAK IN FUEL SYSTEM, IT'S CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON BECAUSE OF THE INADEQUATE PRESSURE. WHEN I HAD THE CAR PARKED IN MY GARAGE, MY WHOLE HOUSE SMELLED LIKE FUEL ! IT'S A BIG SAFETY ISSUE/FIRE HAZARD. I'VE SEEN OTHER 2011 C300 ARE EXPERIENCING SAME ISSUES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 4, 2020
FILLED GAS TANK FULL START GASOLINE IS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE - LOCATION REAR PASSENGER SIDE. PLACED A PAN AND COLLECTED APPROXIMATELY A QUART OF GASOLINE IN 4.5 HOURS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 14, 2020
PLASTIC TOP OF FUEL PUMP LOCATED UNDER BACK SEAT CRACKS AND FUEL VAPORS ENTER THE CAR. BELIEVE THE PART IS DEFECTED TO CRACK FOR NO REASON OR UNDER STRESS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2020
STOPPED AT GAS STATION TO GET GAS FOR CAR AS SOON I WAS PUMPING GAS I CAN SMELL & SEE GAS FALLING ON THE FLOOR RIGHT BY THE BACK PASSENGER REAR TIRE. WAITED FOR DRY UP. THEN WENT HOME PARKED CAR CAME BACK OUT SAW A PUDDLE OF GAS WAITED FOR DRY UP. WENT UNDERNEATH AND SAW THE RESIDUE THAT IT HAD LEFT BEHIND AND IT LOOK LIKE IT WAS CRACK FROM THE GAS TANK.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 29, 2020
MY ENGINE LIGHT JEEP COMING ON WITH A P0456 CODE. REPLACE GAS CAP AND PURGE VALVE CONTROL LESS THEN YEAR AGO. HOWEVER I STILL SMELL GAS WHEN I FILL UP TANK. AFTER IT GOES DOWN TO 3/4 TANK I DON'T SMELL GAS. WHEN IT DROP BELOW HALF TANK THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. SAME THING AS LAST YEAR NOW IT STARTING AGAIN IN JUNE 2020. ONLY HAVE 76000 MILES. DONT DRIVE THANK MUCH. GET SERVICE EVERY YEAR. THEY HAD RECALL FOR E350 BACK IN 2013 HOWEVER MB KEEP TELL ME ITS NOT MY VIN. I THINK THERE IS PROGRAM WITH THE C350 FOR 2011 MODEL TOO. THE LIGHT ALWAYS COME IN WHEN IM DRIVING DOES MATTER IF CITY STREET OR FREEWAY. FIRST TIME 2019. REPAIRS IN JULY. HAPPEN ON 6/3/2020. WAS CLEAR THEN WHEN GASS WENT TO HALF TANK ON 6/28/2020 IT HAPPEN AGAIN.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2020
MY 2011 C300 SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE AFTER I FILL THE TANK. THE SMELL SUBSIDES AFTER THE GAS TANK REACHES ABOUT HALF TANK MARK. DURING MY RESEARCH I CAME ACROSS A FUEL SYSTEM RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V557000 / MANUFACTURER CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 2013010004. MY 2011 C300 IS ONE OF THE VEHICLES LISTED. I CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ CUSTOMER CARE AT 800-367-6372; CUSTOMER CARE STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,381
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2020
STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE CABIN AND AROUND VEHICLE AFTER FUELING. ISSUE STARTED OVER LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND ONLY WHEN FUELED TO CLOSE TO FULL.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2020
VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY EMITTING GAS VAPORS INSIDE VEHICLE AND LEAKING GAS INSIDE BEHIND AND/OR UNDERNEATH BACK DRIVER SIDE SEAT. VIN (XXXX) REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL AROUND THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.